Product feature: Komatsu MR-5 mini excavator

Date: 17.04.2018

Komatsu has released its new MR-5 mini excavator range

The new range incorporates Tier 4 compliant low-emission engines, designed to reduce fuel consumption and provide a range of features to improve production and work efficiency, while helping increase job site safety.

Available in both canopy and air-condition cab and ROPS-compliant options, the new range is now available in New Zealand and Australia, says Garth Dixon, national sales manager, Komatsu New Zealand.

"Our new MR-5 range boasts many industry firsts, and across the range, they raise the bar in terms of what customers can expect from a mini excavator," Garth says.

Electronically controlled engines

All four new machines feature US EPA Tier 4 Final compliant electronically controlled engines with either the Komatsu 3D88E-7 rated at 18.2kW for the smaller PC30MR-5 and PC35MR-5 or the Komatsu 4D88E-7 rated at 29.6 kW for both the PC45MR-5 and the PC55MR-5.

"In addition to delivering far lower emissions, these new minis use between five and seven percent less fuel than their MR-3 predecessors, with no loss of performance or productivity."

Garth says that in developing the new range, Komatsu engineers prioritised reliability and rugged design solutions to further reduce machine down time and lower operating costs.

"Auto deceleration and idle shutdown now both come as standard for reduced fuel consumption, increased residual value, and lower service costs," he says.

"All new models have standard two-way auxiliary piping for increased productivity and machine versatility when working with attachments, and in addition, the PC45MR-5 and PC55MR-5 are fitted as standard with a second auxiliary circuit to enable fitting of tilting hitches, thumb buckets, and the like."

Redesigned cab

According to Garth, cabs on the new MR-5 range has been redesigned inside and out for more functionality and a new more modern look and feel.

"Accessibility has been significantly improved, thanks to a new hinged door design, while a high-resolution multi-functional 3.5-inch LCD colour monitor panel—with maintenance and warning information clearly displayed—improves ease of use and ensures quick and easy troubleshooting. A dial-type fuel control further increases operator comfort and convenience."

A number of new features contribute to increased operator safety on the new MR-5 range. "Our new control lever Neutral Detection System is an industry-leading safety feature that prevents accidental operation if controls are inadvertently knocked or grabbed," Garth says.

"Other safety features include an engine shutdown secondary switch and a seatbelt caution indicator. An easy-to-use tie down bracket provides fast and easy transportability while ensuring the machines can be securely restrained."

As standard, all MR-5 machines sold in New Zealand, Australia, and New Caledonia are covered free of charge with Komatsu’s KOMTRAX remote monitoring system, which offers fleet management and support, can protect against misuse, helps provides peace of mind against theft, and can assist in maximising efficiency and uptime.